Reborn to Master the Blade: From Hero-King to Extraordinary Squire ♀ Volume 2

By Hayaken and Nagu

A reborn beauty is already turning heads at school! The old Hero-King Inglis was thrown far into the future, reborn as a beautiful girl. Now, together with Rafinha, her lifelong friend, and Leone, an aspiring knight the two met on their journey to the capital, Inglis studies the ways of war at the royal knights' academy—where she's turning heads with her battle prowess more than for her looks! School life isn't all about making new friends, though, as she hears rumors of a Rune-Eater that targets knights... "A Rune-Eater, huh. Sounds fun. I bet it's pretty tough." This extraordinary squire marches on through fun with friends and all the fights she could ask for!

• Language: English
• Publisher: J-Novel Club
• Release date: Oct 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781718378506

Book preview

Chapter I: Inglis, Age 15—The Chiral Knights’ Academy (1)

The day of the Chiral Knights’ Academy entrance ceremony had arrived at last.

An attractive young blond man, slightly older than Rafael and wearing a grandiose outfit with a flowing cape, delivered a rousing speech to the assembled incoming students. This was Rafael’s commander, Prince Wayne.

And with Highland supplying Flygears, both the operational deployment and the tactical application of knights will be revolutionized. Your class will be at the forefront—pioneers in a new era of warfare!

The female students stood transfixed by his dashing figure, but Prince Wayne had more going for him than just his looks. As the man who’d suggested airlifting the frozen Prismer, his mind was surely as impressive as his body.

The knights’ academy offered a three-year training program, with exceptionally promising cadets allowed to skip years. The majority of students were young aristocrats or relatives of knights. There was the occasional gifted commoner, most of whom were blessed with a particularly valued Rune that had attracted some sort of patronage. And Inglis had heard rumors of a few exchange students in her class.

Rafinha sighed. Ahh, Price Wayne’s so dreamy...

C’mon, Rani. You’re here to study. Stay focused, Inglis scolded.

Can’t a girl at least dream?

Nope. You’re way too young for that anyway. Not happening.

"Okay, Mom. You know, Chris, you don’t get on my nerves very often, but..."

Leone tried to defuse the tension. Now, now. He definitely is quite the specimen. Don’t you think so, Inglis?

Not really.

"So who do you prefer, then?"

Umm... Well, that’s an awkward question when I’m not even interested in men. Probably that Prismer from before. It seemed pretty strong.

Why, it’s not even human! I don’t understand how you can be so beautiful and yet not have any interest in romance.

Yet here I am, having exactly none.

What a waste! If I looked like you, I’d have more boyfriends than I could keep track of!

Rafinha piled on. Aha ha ha, I can see a ton of guys asking for Inglis’s hand! She acts so grown up, after all.

No, no, no! Why are you even going there, Rani?!

You really do act like you’re my mother sometimes.

As the trio bickered among themselves, Prince Wayne finished his speech. ...And of course, there are also times when squires must take the lead.

Now the teacher acting as master of ceremonies took the stage. His Royal Highness will now present the academy emblem to each student! Please walk to the podium as your name is called.

Prince Wayne had a few words for each student as they received their emblem, and their eyes tended to sparkle at the honor. It seemed he was a natural leader to boot.

Rafinha Bilford!

Rafinha made her way to the podium as her name was called. It was well-known that she was the sister of the holy knight Rafael, and the assembly buzzed with excitement as she passed by.

So she’s Rafael’s little sister? She’s cute.

And she has an upper-class Rune too, right? What a family.

If I make friends with her, I might get to meet Rafael!

Prince Wayne watched as she approached, and spoke as she arrived. Hey. So you’re Rafael’s sister? You look just like him. He’s definitely a man I’m glad to have at my side.

A-And I’m sure he’s equally glad to have a commander like you.

A sister of Rafael’s is a sister of mine. If you’re ever in any trouble, just ask. I’ll do whatever I can.

Thank you.

It seems the other students also know your family—don’t let the pressure hold you back. I’m sure that’s what Rafael would want as well.

Of course!

Next to walk the stage...

Inglis Eucus!

Inglis’s walk produced its own distinctly flavored buzz.

Wow, I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful.

She is. But she doesn’t have a Rune. Is she a squire, then?

With looks like that, she’d have no problem living a comfortable life. I wonder why she chose to enlist instead?

Inglis curtsied as she arrived before Prince Wayne.

And you must be Rafinha’s cousin.

Yes, sir.

A strong squire corps is the future of warfare. Even if you don’t have a Rune, your exploits will open the path for others. In many ways, the future is in your hands. Stand tall. And take good care of Rafinha. We both know day-to-day leadership comes from the ranks, right?

It was clear that even Inglis, as someone without a Rune, would be held to a high standard; it was fairly typical for nobles to send trusted commoners to be trained as squires—especially now, as Flygear pilots.

Of course. I’ll do my utmost.

Some time passed after Inglis’s entrance as other students walked across the stage. Then came the call:

Leone Olfa!

Another buzz of yet another kind.

Hey, wait a minute. Olfa, like—?

That traitor Leon’s sister?!

I can’t believe she’d show her face here!

As Leone walked over, Prince Wayne spoke to her. I’m sorry, Leone. We are, in part, responsible for the voices you hear now, unable to give word to the misdeeds of a Highlander.

No, if anyone must apologize, it is myself. I swear, one day I will capture my brother and restore honor to the Olfa name.

"Well, you’re not Leon. You’re you. I believe in you, and I know a bright future awaits. Press forth! Ignore the murmurs of doubt!"

I will...!

Soon, the entrance ceremony was over, and orientation began. Eventually, the students would be divided between squires and knights, but for now they were all gathered in one mass on the fields of the academy. There stood a massive stone sparring ring—and within it a young woman stood, her back straight, grasping an Artifact in the form of a staff. She was attractive, with flaxen hair and wearing a long, flowing robe with cute decorations. Glasses with small, round lenses and a perpetual grin completed her look.

Good afternoon, everyone! I’m your principal, Miriela. I’m so happy to meet you all.

Miriela had, for some reason, not been at the podium during the entrance ceremony. She seemed young for her role, and she gave off a relaxed and casual demeanor. But from her hand glimmered a special-class Rune, proof that she was a holy knight—and that she was far more than she let on.

She beamed down at the students. Let’s skip the formalities and get right down to orientation, shall we? First, I’ll explain what you’ll be studying here. How about a quick warm-up? Everyone, come riiight into the ring! Oh, but you budding young knights with an Artifact, be sure to leave those behind.

...I’m down for this. Sounds fun. Inglis leaped into the ring, and—

Thump!

Wha—?! Her body felt like it was made of lead, and she unexpectedly stumbled as she landed.

Ngh... So heavy...

I can’t stand...

I can’t even move!

As she looked around, she saw her fellow students crumple to their knees, unable to move.

And that’s a gravity field created by my Artifact. It’s how we conduct training at the academy, so grin and bear it. I don’t want to see a single one of my kids fall on the battlefield, so I’m going to get you into tip-top shape.

insert1

Most of the students were having second thoughts now—but not Inglis.

Just feeling the mana flowing around her to weigh her down was a wonderful sensation.

So this is the power of Miriela’s artifact.

Figuring out how to apply that herself—to herself—would be like killing two birds with one stone: both physical training and mana manipulation training.

This is amazing! I already love this school! I can’t wait to learn how to do that! Inglis was already lost in daydreams about how, and where, the mana twisted around her.

Eeek! It’s so heavy! Rafinha was still on two feet, but only barely.

This’ll be tough without an Artifact... Leone said, holding up a bit better. But it’ll be a good challenge!

Inglis nodded. Yeah, I think this kind of training is a great idea.

But if we have to do this all the time, my thighs are going to get even bigger... Leone seemed to have a bit of a complex about what training with a greatsword had done to her figure.

All right! Here they come! Miriela snapped her fingers, and humanoid figures rose up from a hole in the ring.

Rock golems? Inglis’s brow furrowed. Is this part of her Artifact’s power? Or does she have another? I don’t know, but it must take a lot of power to create a giant like that. If she’s able to use two Artifacts’ Gifts at once, she’s definitely got a special-class Rune. I’d love to see what she’s capable of someday. Maybe I can see that now.

All right, class! It’s a game of tag, and these three rock golems are it! Anyone left in the ring after ten minutes gets free meals in the cafeteria for a month! ♪ Do your best, and don’t get caught!

That was a mouthwatering announcement indeed.

Oooh! That’ll be great to have!

I can’t let myself get caught! But it’s so heavy...

To Inglis and Rafinha, with their voracious appetites, the prize was worth even more.

Don’t worry, Rani. There’s only three, so...

So, you can’t get caught by a golem if you’ve turned it into gravel.

Aaaaaand...go! Principal Miriela announced.

Haaaah! As soon as the time began, Inglis launched into a high kick at the nearest golem. The impact sent it sprawling back out of the ring, where it shattered.

Hmm?! The principal gasped in surprise.

Yaaah! Gotcha! A punch, then a throw, sent the other two golems following.

Inglis’s body may have been weighed down, but that didn’t mean she was helpless.

If anything, it was just the amount of weight she wanted to train under. All right!

A whole month of eating whatever I want without worrying about the price!

Rafinha grinned. You did it! Now it’s all-we-can-eat for a month!

Leone nodded. Amazing, Inglis! Though I shouldn’t be amazed.

While Rafinha and Leone celebrated, the other students looked on, awestruck.

Umm...

If no one’s left to be it...

Then we’re all safe? All right!

We eat free for a month!

The thought of free food for each and every student for a month sent a cold sweat down Miriela’s back. She nervously stammered out an excuse. And yes, of course, if all three golems are thrown from the ring, you’re safe! Thank you for the demonstration.

But, Principal! That’s no fair... Inglis groaned.

Sorry, sorry! I made a mistake! Let’s try this one more time!

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that she’s so shocked. Just have to take ’em down again. And it is good training.

"Hmmmm... That’s funny, I must have slipped up somewhere... But that never happens, right? Miriela shook her head as she talked to herself, then raised the golems again. Now, for real this time... Go!"

Haaaah!

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Three palm strikes, three downed golems.

Principal Miriela, momentarily speechless, forced a grin. Hee hee hee! Oh my! Of course, that was still just a demonstration. We need to go over the important part at least twice, right?

But, Principal! That’s really no—

Shhhh! Miriela rushed up to Inglis, and whispered to her furtively. Listen, we can negotiate. Three months for you, as long as you don’t really give ’em the boot until the end. I’ll even overlook it if you happen to maneuver out of bounds for a second.

A month for three people each, and it’s a deal.

I knew we could come to an agreement!

Oh, but could you make the load on me heavier? A further reduction of maneuverability would be even better training for Inglis.

Err... Well... Miriela paused hesitantly. I kind of cast it on everyone, so I can’t really adjust it on a person by person basis. If you really want that, you can stay after class for extra lessons, but...

I’d love to.

Miriela paused again before confirming. How about two months for three, then?

Got it.

They had reached a deal. And getting a good close look at the mana causing this enhanced gravity just might let Inglis use it herself. That, she resolved, would be her first goal at the academy.

Okay, this time for real!

Three more rock golems sprang up, chasing the students around the ring. Slowed by the gravity, they were thrown out of the ring, one by one. Time seemed to pass in a flash.

Only ninety seconds left! The six of you still in the ring, do your best! Miriela cheered her students on.

Of the six remaining, three were Inglis, Rafinha, and Leone. The rock golems were completely ignoring Inglis, and she in turn only watched the melee unfold around her, paying close attention to the other three students. Two seemed to be future knights, and the third here to train as a squire—an unexpectedly good performance from the squires, altogether.

Her attention first shifted to the two who had paired up, a boy squire and a girl knight.

C’mon, Pullum! You may be slow, but you can hide behind me! the boy said.

Okay, Lahti. But will you be all right? Your legs are trembling.

Don’t worry about that. I’ll be fine.

H-H-H-Here it comes! Go over there!

Ahh! Don’t shove me! You keep getting in the way...

Tee hee, sorry...

The knight—Pullum—and the squire—Lahti—certainly made quite a scene, but the shove was enough to get him out of the way of the golem’s swing.

Pullum, huh. I bet she knows exactly what she’s doing there. There’s definitely more to her than she lets on.

Come then, golems! I, Liselotte Arcia, shall not fall as easily as you hope! came the voice of a trainee knight; she was an aristocrat even in her speech. Her wavy blonde hair certainly looked the part of a proper young lady. She was good-looking but seemed somewhat unapproachable.

Up until now, she’d been surrounded by a guard of students—attendants, maybe—but they’d already been knocked out. Inglis had at first wondered whether Liselotte was capable of much on her own, but she did seem to be competent, standing at the edge of the ring and waiting for her chance to knock out